Portable shower

ABSTRACT

A portable shower is disclosed which is especially adapted for use by campers. The shower structure includes a frame comprised of horizontal and vertical sides formed of telescopically fitted members. Such a structure enables the frame to be expanded for use and collapsed for storage. A housing formed of a flexible plastic material and having a water tight bottom is fitted over the expanded frame. A first container is provided for holding the bathing water and a second container for holding the used water. A pump is provided for simultaneously supplying water from the first container and returning the used water to the second container. The two containers can be nested together and used to store the collapsed frame and the folded plastic housing along with the pump and lengths of hose.

Kim

[ Dec. 16, 1975 1 1 PORTABLE SHOWER [76] Inventor: Sunyong P. Kim, 3885 S. Norton Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. 90008 [22] Filed: June 8, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 368,188

[52] US. Cl. 4/147; 4/153; 4/154; 52/2; 135/1 [51] Int. Cl. A47K 3/22; F24l-1 H06 [58] Field of Search 4/145, 146, 148, 147, 154, 4/164, 151, 155, 156; 135/1; 52/2 3,681,788 8/1972 Blanc et al 4/147 Primary Examiner-J-lenry K. Artis Attorney, Agent, or FirmJohn T. Matlago [5 7 ABSTRACT A portable shower is disclosed which is especially adapted for use by campers. The shower structure includes a frame comprised of horizontal and vertical sides formed of telescopically fitted members. Such a structure enables the frame to be expanded for use and collapsed for storage. A housing formed of a flexible plastic material and having a water tight bottom is fitted over the expanded frame. A first container is provided for holding the bathing water and a second container for holding the used water. A pump is provided for simultaneously supplying water from the first container and returning the used water to the second container. The two containers can be nested together and used to store the collapsed frame and the folded plastic housing along with the pump and lengths of hose.

Claims, 4 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent Dec. 16, 1975 3,925,828

III! 1 PORTABLE SHOWER This invention relates to bathing facilities and more particularly to a portable shower having a structure especially adapted for use by campers. There is a need for simple structure for enabling a person to take a shower while camping. Such a structure must be able to be compactly assembled so that it will not take up much space when not in use; Moreover, it should be readily easy to erect the shower structure and connect it up for operation while on the camping ground without the need of any tooling. Furthermore, when a portable shower is used on a camping ground it is highly desirable to be able to dispose of the several gallons of used bathing water at an appropriate out of the way area rather than just permit the water to drain on to the ground and muddy the area adjacent to the shower. Such disposing of water is especially desirable in the camping grounds of the southwestern part of the United States where the ground is not grassy because of the lack of rain during the camping season.

The principal object of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a novel portable shower.

Another object of the invention is to provide a frame structure for aportable shower which is' readily collapsible to a small size for storage.

Another object of the. invention is to provide a portable shower which includes equipment for disposing of the water after it has been used for bathing.

With these and other objects in view the invention consists of the construction, arrangement and combination of the various parts of the device whereby the objects contemplated are attained as herein set forth, pointed out in the appended claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

DRAWING SUMMARY FIG. lshows a perspective view of the portable shower of the present invention set up for use on a camp ground;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the members forming the frame as taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the knob used for controlling the pump; and

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a pair of containers nested together to provide a storage for the parts comprising the portable shower of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings, the portable shower of the present invention is shown to include a box-like frame 14 which encloses a space approximately three feet square and 6 feet high. Each of the four upper horizontal sides l6a-16d of the frame is formed of two members which slidably fit into each other such as the upper horizontal side 16a which is comprised of member 17a which telescopes into a member 18a. Likewise, each of the four lower horizontal sides l9a-19d of the frame is formed of two members which slidably fit into each other such as the lower horizontal side 19a which is comprised of a member 24a which telescopes into a member 25a. Similarly, each of the four vertical sides 20a-20d of the frame is formed of three members which slidably fit into each other such as the vertical side 20a which is comprised of member 22a which telescopes into 210, and member 23a which telescopes into member 22a.

As shown in FIG. 1, the adjacent ends of the two horizontal sides and the vertical side at each upper comer of the frame 14 are joined together by respectively fitting into the three orthogonally disposed sockets of an elbow 26. It should be noted that each of the elbows 26 is identically shaped. Likewise, the adjacent ends of the two horizontal sides and the vertical side at each lower corner of the frame are joined together by being respectively fitted into the three orthogonally disposed sockets of an elbow 27. It should be noted that each of the elbows 27 is identically shaped.

When the frame 14 is expanded for use, as shown in FIG. 1, all the vertical sides 20a. 2017.200, and 20d are expanded simultaneously. Thus, as shown by the sectional view of the frame 14 in FIG. 2 which is taken along lines 2-2 in FIG. 1, when the vertical sides such as vertical side 20a is expanded the tapered outer wall 28 onthe member 23a is snapped over projections 28a into mating engagement with the tapered inner wall 29 on the upper end of member 22a. Likewise, the tapered outer wall 31 on the lower end of member 22a is snapped over projections 31a into .mating engagement with the tapered inner wall 32 on the upper end of member 21a. In a similar manner the horizontal sides 16a. 16d and 19a, 19d are expanded simultaneously. Thus shown in FIG.2, when the horizontal side 16a is expanded, the tapered outer wall 38 on the end of member 17a is snapped over projections 38a into mating engagement with the tapered inner wall 39 on the adjacent end of member 18a. Likewise, the horizontal sides 16!). 16c, and 19b. 190 are expanded simultaneously and snapped into position.

Fitted over the bottom and sides of the frame 14 is a box-like shaped housing 30 formed of a thin, flexible, sheet of plastic. The plastic housing 30 is opaque except for the upper'portion 35 thereof which may be transparent so as to provide visibility to a person standing in a shower. A top flap 42 which may be integrally formed with the front zippered side of the housing 30 is disposed to lay across the top of the frame 14 with its end 43 hanging over the back horizontal side 16d of the frame. The top flap 42 is provided with a number of holes 34 to permit circulation of air in the housing 30. The bottom 49 of the plastic housing 30 is secured to the side walls thereof to provide a water tight enclosure. The frame 14 is supported by a pair of brackets l 1 extending from brace members 12 attached to the upper side of a camping vehicle 15 by screws 13. The corners of the upper horizontal sides 16b and of the frame 14 depend from the bottoms of the bracket 11 by springs 36 held by hooks 37.

Located within the shower is a shower head fixture 40.attached to the upper end of a length of rubber hose 4]. The lower end of hose 41 is secured in a coupler 44 secured on the vertical side 20b of the frame. The neck of the shower head fixture 40 is held between the spring jaws of a clamp 45 secured on the vertical side 20b of the frame so that the shower head fixture 40 can be removed and freely moved about the coupler 44 by the person using the shower. Also enclosed within the portable shower is the soap dish 46 which is secured on the plastic side wall of the housing 30.

Located on the floor of the housing 30 is a stand 47. The stand 47 .is formed in half sections which are held together by hinges 48 The hinges permit the half sections of stand 47 to be swung back on themselves when the portable shower is stored. The front wall of the shower housing is provided with a slit 51 which forms a flap 52. A zipper 50 sewed along the slit 51 enables the flap 52 to be opened to permit the person to enter and 3 exit the shower by pulling the zipper clip 52 along the slit. A hook 55 for a towel or clothing is secured to the outer wall of the plastic housing 30 just around the corner from the zippered slit 51.

Located on the ground adjacent the portable shower are two rectangularly shaped plastic containers 58 and 59. Each container has a capacity of approximately 10 gallons. A pair of wire handles 81 having hooked ends engaging holes 82a on the upper end of container 58, as shown in FIG. 1, are used to carry the container when it is filled with water for bathing. The wire handle of 81 can be readily transferred to hook on the holes 82b of container 59 when the latter is to be carried. Also located outside the housing is a two-way pump 60 provided with a motor 61. The pump 60 is of the type that provides for simultaneously pumping water along two separate paths.

A first length of supply hose 62 has one of its ends submerged in the container 58 filled with fresh warm bathing water and its other end fitted to the supply inlet 63 of the pump 60. A second length of supply hose 65 connects the supply outlet 66 of the pump to the coupler 44 secured on vertical side 20b of the frame. A first length of return hose 67 connects to a short tube 69 extending through an bottom elbow 27 of the frame and extends to the return inlet 70 of the pump 60. A second length of return hose 72 has one end connected to the return outlet 73 of the pump 60 and its outer end extending into container 59.

A remote switch actuator 75 is attached at its upper end to the vertical side 20b of the frame. The actuator 75 has a knob 76 on its upper end which extends inwardly into the shower housing 30. The knob 76 is attached to the end of a length of wire 77 (FIG. 3) slidably movable within a sheath 78 that extends from the vertical side 20b of the frame to the motor 61 on the pump 60. The lower end of the wire 77 is connected to an on-off switch (not shown) on the motor 61. The motor 61 is supplied with power by adapting the plug end of its cord 80 into a cigarette lighter on camping vehicle 15, for example.

It should now be evident that after the person enters the shower housing 30 by way of the opening provided by zippered slit 51, he can pull on the knob 76 to energize the motor 61 to start up the pump 60 to deliver water to the shower head fixture 40. The used water accumulating on the bottom 31 of the shower housing 30 below the stand 47 will then be simultaneously pumped out by the pump 60.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the portable shower after being disassembled can be compactly stored. When the used water in container 59 has been disposed of by carrying the container 59 by use of the pair of handles 81 to an appropriate area, the container 58 is nested into container 59. The stand 47 is then folded back on its hinges 48 and placed within the bottom 'of container 58. The upper end of frame 14 is then released from the brackets 11 and withdrawn out of the top end of the housing 30. The members of the horizontal sides 16a- 16d and 19a-l9d, and the vertical sides 20a-20d, of the frame 14 are then abmptly forced axially inwardly so as to be telescoped into each other to form a compact three dimensional box-like structure. The collapsed frame 14 is then positioned within the container 58, as shown in FIG. 4. Then the plastic housing 30 is folded and placed in the container 58 along with the other parts such as the pump 70, the lengths of hose 62, 65, etc. A lid 83 in the form of a cushion can then be 4 placed over the top of the container 58 to enable the assembly to be used as a seat.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided apparatus of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which is obviously susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detailed construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise a preferred form of putting the invention into effect and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is: I

l. A portable shower comprising:

a box-like shaped housing formed of a thin plastic material, said housing having a water tight bottom and having a zippered bpening on the front side wall thereof;

a pair of brackets extending from the sidewall of a camping vehicle, the upper comers of said boxlike shaped housing being suspended from said brackets;

a stand disposed on the bottom of the interior of said housing;

a shower head fixture within said housing, said shower head fixture including a length of hose having a coupler on the end thereof, said coupler extending through the sidewall of said housing, said housing having an outlet tube extending from the bottom of a sidewall thereof;

a first and second container positioned outside said housing;

a pump having a supply portion and a return portion, said supply pump portion having a supply inlet and a supply outlet, and said return pump portion having a return inlet and a return outlet;

a first length of supply hose connecting said first container to the supply inlet of said supply pump portion;

a second length of supply hose connecting the supply outlet of said supply pump portion to said coupler;

a first length of return hose connecting the outlet tube on the bottom of said housing to the return inlet of said return pump portion;

a second length of return hose connecting the return outletof said return pump portion to said second container; and

a remote switch actuator having a knob disposed within said housing for controlling the actuation of said pump.

2. A portable shower comprising:

a box-like frame having vertical and horizontal sides formed of telescopic members;

a box-like shaped housing formed of a thin, plastic material and fitted about said box-like frame when the latter is in its fully extended position, said ho using having a water tight bottom with a discharge opening;

a shower head connected by a length of hose to a coupler attached to a vertical side of the frame;

a stand disposed on the bottom of said housing;

a first container for fresh water positioned outside of the housing;

a second container for used water positioned outside of the housing;

a pump with first and second portions, said first pump portion having a supply inlet and a supply outlet and said second pump portion having a return inlet and return outlet;

a first length of supply hose connecting said first container to the supply inlet of said first pump portion;

a second length of supply hose connecting the supply outlet of said first pump portion to said coupler;

a first length of return hose connecting said discharge opening to the return inlet of said second pump portion; and

a second length of return hose connecting the return outlet of said second pump portion to said second container;

wherein said first and second containers are shaped such that when not in use they can be nested together to provide a receptacle for storing the collapsed frame structure and housing and associated shower equipment.

3. A portable shower comprising:

a hox-like collapsible frame,

a box-like housing formed of flexible material and capable of being fitted up over and about the box-like frame when the latter is in its extended position to provide a water tight bottom on said frame,

a shower head within said housing,

a first and second container located outside said housing,

a first and second pump means,

a first conduit means including said first pump means for supplying water from said first container to said shower head, and

a second conduit means including said second pump means for discharging water from the bottom of said housing into said second container,

said first and second container being shaped so that when not in use they can be nested together to provide a compact receptacle for storing the collapsed frame and housing and other shower equipment.

4. The invention in accordance with claim 3 including brackets attached to a camping vehicle for supporting the frame in an upright position.

5. The invention in accordance with claim 3 includ- 

1. A portable shower comprising: a box-like shaped housing formed of a thin plastic material, said housing having a water tight bottom and having a zippered opening on the front side wall thereof; a pair of brackets extending from the sidewall of a camping vehicle, the upper corners of said boxlike shaped housing being suspended from said brackets; a stand disposed on the bottom of the interior of said housing; a shower head fixture within said housing, said shower head fixture including a length of hose having a coupler on the end thereof, said coupler extending through the sidewall of said housing, said housing having an outlet tube extending from the bottom of a sidewall thereof; a first and second container positioned outside said housing; a pump having a supply portion and a return portion, said supply pump portion having a supply inlet and a supply outlet, and said return pump portion having a return inlet and a return outlet; a first length of supply hose connecting said first container to the supply inlet of said supply pump portion; a second length of supply hose connecting the supply outlet of said supply pump portion to said coupler; a first length of return hose connecting the outlet tube on the bottom of said housing to the return inlet of said return pump portion; a second length of return hose connecting the return outlet of said return pump portion to said second container; and a remote switch actuator having a knob disposed within said housing for controlling the actuation of said pump.
 2. A portable shower comprising: a box-like frame having vertical and horizontal sides formed of telescopic members; a box-like shaped housing formed of a thin, plastic material and fitted about said box-like frame when the latter is in its fully extended position, said housing having a water tight bottom with a discharge opening; a shower head connected by a length of hose to a coupler attached to a vertical side of the frame; a stand disposed on the bottom of said housing; a first container for fresh water positioned outside of the housing; a second container for used water positioned outside of the housing; a pump with first and second portions, said first pump portion having a supply inlet and a supply outlet and said second pump portion having a return inlet and return outlet; a first length of supply hose connecting said first container to the supply inlet of said first pump portion; a second length of supply hose connecting the supply outlet of said first pump portion to said coupler; a first length of return hose connecting said discharge opening to the return inleT of said second pump portion; and a second length of return hose connecting the return outlet of said second pump portion to said second container; wherein said first and second containers are shaped such that when not in use they can be nested together to provide a receptacle for storing the collapsed frame structure and housing and associated shower equipment.
 3. A portable shower comprising: a box-like collapsible frame, a box-like housing formed of flexible material and capable of being fitted up over and about the box-like frame when the latter is in its extended position to provide a water tight bottom on said frame, a shower head within said housing, a first and second container located outside said housing, a first and second pump means, a first conduit means including said first pump means for supplying water from said first container to said shower head, and a second conduit means including said second pump means for discharging water from the bottom of said housing into said second container, said first and second container being shaped so that when not in use they can be nested together to provide a compact receptacle for storing the collapsed frame and housing and other shower equipment.
 4. The invention in accordance with claim 3 including brackets attached to a camping vehicle for supporting the frame in an upright position.
 5. The invention in accordance with claim 3 including a remote switch actuator having a knob disposed within said housing for controlling the actuation of said first and second pump means. 